Novikov impresses on WRC return

Malcolm Wilson reckons Evgeny Novikov’s impressive return to the World Rally Championship in Mexico last week is the start of greater things to come.

Novikov, who hadn’t competed in rallying’s highest echelon for more than a year, was in fifth place on his return to the series when a small off-road moment left his Ford Fiesta RS WRC nursing a damaged radiator to the extent he was unable to continue.

The 20-year-old had never previously competed in Mexico and only got to drive his Fiesta, which was being co-driven by Stephane Prevot, for the first time during Thursday’s shakedown.

Wilson, whose M-Sport organisation ran Novikov’s Fiesta, was full of praise for the young Russian afterwards.

“I’ve seen a big change in him and his approach from the last time I was involved with him two or three years ago,” said Wilson. “I felt he’s always had tremendous speed but I told him he couldn’t expect to come back to the WRC after a season out, come to this rally he’s never been to [and get a top result].

“He needs to get the experience first and get the kilometres under his belt. Considering his first time in the car for him was in shakedown he did a really good job. It’s just a shame a mistake with his pacenotes basically damaged the car. Apart from that it was a very mature display.”

Novikov will resume his WRC programme with M-Sport on Rally d’Italia Sardegna from 5-8 May. Although the route of this year’s rally has undergone significant changes, sections from when Novikov last competed on the island in 2009 remain unchanged and Novikov is expected to be among the contenders.

“I don’t think there’s any question this is just the start,” said Wilson. “To have never been [to Mexico] before and to do the times he was doing is very impressive. I know he definitely wasn’t pushing like I know he can do so there’s a lot more to come.”